Richard Commey failed in his bid to annex the IBF lightweight strap but received a treat reserved for heroes when he arrived in the country yesterday.

Despite being the aggressor in the action-filled championship, Commey lost via a Split Decision verdict in favour of American Robert Easter Jr.

The result notwithstanding, Commey’s heroics was appreciated and halted activities at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) where hundreds of fans besieged to give him a rousing welcome.

“He is not a loser; he won as far as we are concerned. We have gathered to welcome home our hero. He got so close to winning the title but was given a bad verdict. At least people will know that Ghana still has talented boxers,” an excited fan told the Times Sports.

In the company of his manager, Michael Amoo-Bediako, Carl Lokko, his trainer, Roger Barnor, a referee of international repute and other enthusiasts that followed the boxer, the group was met on arrival by a large gathering that included the Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye.

As early as 8am when the Delta Airlines plane touched down, the KIA premises went into raptures as fans sang and dance in praise of a hero that nearly joined Ghana’s league of world champions.

Draped in white head and arm bands, the fans wasted no time in carrying their hero after emerging at the entrance of the arrival hall as other passengers look on in glee.

Welcoming the team, Nii Lante Vanderpuye congratulated the boxer for putting Ghana back at the top echelon of the sport.

He also praised the technical and management teams for working hard to put Commey in a good condition for the fight.

According to him, the failed attempt should not mean the end of the road for the boxer but should rather toughen them and prepare harder for future challenges.

Overwhelmed by the support, Commey expressed gratitude to the fans especially and all manner of people that helped in his preparation in any way, promising to mount the ring very soon to make Ghana proud.

“I am very grateful to the fans; I thank you all for coming and believing in me. You watched the fight and saw what happened in the ring. I thought I did much to win; you are also saying the same thing. It means I staged a good show but in boxing, it is very difficult to win in somebody’s land when it comes that close.”

Commey told the media he was robbed because he fought Easter Jr. in one of his best and most aggressive shows and convinced a lot of people except the two judges who failed to recognise his hard work.

“I am not frustrated with the loss; my dream and mission is to be a world champion. This is a target I have set for myself and nothing has changed. I have to be a world champion before I retire and I will surely achieve that because it is something I have at the back of my mind.”

“Usually when I set targets, I work towards achieving them and this one will be no exception. Team Commey is not giving up. We will remain on course until our dream is realised.